Streets and People

What if traffic lights could see people walking and riding as clearly as they see cars?Traffic signals shape our everyday journeys, yet most of us rarely think about the technology behind them — or who that technology is designed to respond to.In this episode, Wendy talks with traffic signals specialist Christian Chong-White about what happens inside an intersection. They explore why pedestrians can be left waiting, why a six-second crossing can feel very different depending on who you are, and how better detection technology could help traffic signals respond to the people actually using them.Christian also shares a personal story about his children walking to school and the concerns he had as a parent crossing a busy road.From scramble crossings and pedestrian detection to the power of simply reporting a problem, this conversation offers a different way of looking at traffic signals — not just as traffic management, but as an opportunity to make our streets work better for the people who use them.And perhaps the most encouraging message is that change doesn't always have to start with a major project. Sometimes it starts with noticing something, asking a question and speaking up.#TrafficSignals #RoadSafety #ActiveTransport #PedestrianSafety#Cycling #WalkableCommunities #Transport #UrbanDesign #TrafficEngineering#SafeStreets #CommunityVoice #StreetsAndPeople #GetAroundCaboolture#TransportInnovation #BetterStreetsCheck out our website for more info: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/traffic-signals-christian-chong-white/Podcast theme music: Doctor Yes | Yari | BensoundGetAroundCaboolture.au

What if changing a single word could help save lives?Most of us have heard road crashes described as "accidents". But what if that language shapes the way we think about road safety, responsibility and the choices we make every day?In this People and Projects episode of Streets and People, award-winning transport journalist Laura Laker shares the story behind the Road Collision Reporting Guidelines and explains why more thoughtful language can lead to more thoughtful conversations.Together, we explore how the stories told by journalists, police and public agencies influence public understanding, why context matters just as much as the collision itself, and how small changes in communication can encourage safer streets for everyone.This conversation isn't about blaming drivers or pointing fingers. It's about recognising that every road collision affects real people, real families and entire communities. It's about asking better questions, understanding the bigger picture and believing that road trauma is not something we simply have to accept.Whether you're a journalist, transport professional, councillor, planner, advocate or someone who simply wants safer streets for your family and neighbours, this episode offers practical ideas that can change the way you see road safety.Because when we change the conversation, we create opportunities to change outcomes.Guest: Laura Laker – award-winning transport journalist and creator of the Road Collision Reporting Guidelines.Here are the guidelines: https://www.rc-rg.com/guidelinesTo read Laura’s blogs: https://lauralaker.substack.com/ and https://shows.acast.com/streets-ahead To connect with Laura: https://bsky.app/profile/lauralaker.bsky.socialCheck out our website for more info: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/road-collision-reporting-laura-laker/Podcast theme music: Doctor Yes | Yari | BensoundGetAroundCaboolture.au#RoadCollisionReporting #RoadSafety #LauraLaker #Journalism #Transport #ActiveTransport #Walking #Cycling #VisionZero #SaferStreets #StreetDesign #TransportPlanning #Community #PublicHealth #RoadSafetyJournalism

Every journey tells a story about the places we build and thecommunities we create.In this episode of Streets and People, we explore how transport shapes everyday life, from the choices people make to the opportunities available in our suburbs. Through a thoughtful conversation grounded in research and real-world experience, we look beyond roads and vehicles to ask what helps people feel connected, included and able to participate in their community.Whether you work in transport, planning, local government or simply care about creating places where people of all ages and abilities can thrive, this episode offers practical ideas and fresh ways of thinking about the future of our streets.If this conversation sparks an idea, we'd love to hear from you. Is there a transport topic you'd like us to explore, or someone you'd like us to interview? Your suggestions help shape future episodes.Learn more about Jonathan BrayReport: Decarbonising Suburban Transport https://jonathan-bray.com/decarbonising-suburban-transport-ways-of-thinking-and-acting This is the Sound of the Suburbs https://jonathan-bray.com/this-is-the-sound-of-the-suburbs-2LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-bray-28807414Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jonathan-bray.bsky.socialListen to more Streets and People episodesWebsite: GetAroundCaboolture.auTo find out more about this episode: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/suburban-transport-jonathan-bray/Follow Get Around CabooltureFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getaroundcabooltureLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/get-around-caboolture/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StreetsandPeoplePodcastBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/getaroundcabooltur.bsky.socialPodcast creditsHost: Wendy NashGuest: Jonathan BrayTheme music: Doctor Yes | Yari | Bensound#StreetsAndPeople #Transport #UrbanPlanning #PublicTransport #ActiveTransport #HealthyStreets #PlaceMaking #Community #Walkability #Cycling#RoadSafety #Accessibility #LocalGovernment #Planning #Australia

Parking affects far more than where we leave our cars. Itinfluences our main streets, local businesses, public transport, shopping centres and the way our communities grow.In this episode of Streets and People, Wendy Nashspeaks with urban planner Dr David Mepham, author of Rethinking Parking: Planning and Urban Design Perspectives, about why parking reform matters and how parking decisions shape the places we use every day.David explores why people often have such strong reactions to parking, the impact of minimum parking requirements, how shopping centres and railway stations have evolved, and why understanding lived experience leads to better planning decisions.Along the way, he shares practical examples from projectsincluding the Gold Coast Light Rail, discusses the unintended consequences of park-and-ride facilities, and reflects on a simple experience—pushing a friend's stroller—that changed the way he thought about planning.Whether you're interested in transport, urban planning, localgovernment or simply curious about why our towns and cities look the way they do, this conversation offers practical insights into creating places that are welcoming, functional and enjoyable for everyone.Check out our website for more info: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/parking-reform-park-ride/Podcast theme music: Doctor Yes | Yari | BensoundGetAroundCaboolture.au#ParkingReform #UrbanPlanning #TransportPlanning #StreetsAndPeople #Podcast

What if our streets could do more than move cars—what if they connected us? Max McCardel, an active transport specialist, joins us to explore how thoughtful design can transform the way we move, live, and belong in our communities. From pop-up bike lanes to school street closures, Max shares stories of how small changes can create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone. Whether you’re a parent wanting safer routes for your kids, a commuter dreaming of a less stressful journey, or simply someone who believes our streets should work for people, this conversation will leave you inspired to reimagine the places we share every day. You can find Max here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-mccardelCheck out our website for more info: https://getaroundcaboolture.au/beyond-bike-lanes-community/Many thanks for Claire Tan for her excellent contribution for this episode.Podcast theme music: Doctor Yes | Yari | BensoundGetAroundCaboolture.au#SaferStreets #CommunityFirst #ActiveTransport #PeopleOverCars #StreetDesign #HealthyCommunities #InclusiveSpaces #RethinkTheRoad #BikeFriendly #WalkableCities